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WWII

So I’ve picked up the blogging bug. Again. I’ve been AWOL. But a good film brought me back to my blogging senses. A bloody good film. I’m talking about the #DunkirkMovie.

If you thought that there may be a gentle meandering into this movie – perhaps scenes of home – forget it. In a Bond-like way you are dragged in and immersed from the very start. So there was no chatter or mobile phone irritations at my cinema. Just people watching and unable to switch off.

Tired from a week of work often I can adopt a I simply cannot be asked approach when venturing out. I knew I had to see this film. Military blood, experience and being bombed out runs in my blood. As such I’m emotional at the mere mention of any heroics in war.

But the Dunkirk movie isn’t soft. Or drawn out. Or just about one character. It’s about several characters and what they each did during this battle – and that’s the greatest takeaway for me.

I never thought I’d experience anything close to the Blitz or Dunkirk spirit. But 2017 has been a cruel bitch. She has shown us what heartbreaking devastation can look like. And when I worried and dithered about travelling to a city for work that had been recently attacked… well a friend who survived the Blitz told me – but that’s what’s they want. We must continue our lives.

And so when the infamous Churchill speech was read out during the film it had new meaning. That in the grips of despair and humiliation we also see the true spirit of people coming together to do what they can.

The film is a magnifying mirror on Dunkirk. But step back and there were strong women also holding it together. Even in my family women worked in the factories. Under constant danger and at risk of being bombed as they were essential part of our infrastructure. A vital cog in the war machine. And the glorious Spitfires featured in the film. They were moved by magic? A brief video about the Air Transport Auxiliary…

Not everyone got to take a ceremonial bow when Victory in Europe was achieved. They had done their bit. Quietly. And I love this Argo film quote: “If we wanted applause we would have joined the circus.”

Seeing this film has also reminded me about how important it is to have balance in our lives. So let’s shop more for experiences such as movies and theatre – and less for unnecessary crap.

Don’t worry about seeing this movie at IMAX or at a tiny local cinema. Just see it. And tell your friends. Tell all your friends. Now we can begin to truly understand what Dunkirk spirit is all about.